Sightseeing in Tirana - what to see. Complete travel guide

In 1920 Tirana became the capital of Albania. This is a famous spa resort, all notable places of which can be conveniently visited on foot.

In the center of the city is located Skanderbeg Square. The majority of excursion routes start right from this place. The square features great views of the Dajti Mountain, but the main attraction of this place is the market located nearby. This is a real oriental bazaar that admires visitors by its huge selection of goods. Just like in any bazar, here visitors are recommended to bargain with sellers to get a good price. However, there is one not very pleasant moment - pickpockets, so many sure you stay cautious during your walk.

The most visited cultural institution in Tirana is, of course, National Historical Museum, which is located not far away from the building of International Hotel. Finding this museum is truly simple as the hotel is the tallest building of the city, and so it is perfectly visible from any part of it. The hotel’s building is also quite remarkable and picturesque. Its facade is decorated with magnificent mosaics.

The eastern part of Tirana is the location of Palace of Culture. Here you will find a small theater, an art gallery, as well as a cozy restaurant and a cafe. The best-known religious landmark of the city is Et’hem Bey Mosque, which was built in the beginning of the 19th century. The mosque’s interior is no less remarkable than its outer look. Such wealth and luxury of design are simply striking. Interesting events and exhibitions regularly take place in Museum of Enver Hoxha. Here you can see works of contemporary artists and masters of crafting. Walk along Deshmoret e Kombit Boulevard and you will reach the building of the Archaeological Museum. The choice and number of exhibits here is fantastic. These are by far not all places of interest that can attract tourists. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

One of the biggest and most beautiful parks with a large artificial lake is located in the southern part of the city. This is the area where the action is. The park is equipped with several sports grounds. Vacationers with children, as well as lovers of hiking and picnics, love to spend time there. In the immediate vicinity of the lake, numerous entertainment venues, restaurants and cafes are found.

The Tirana Clock Tower remains the permanent symbol of the city. It stands on the main square of the city. The tower was built in 1822. Not everyone, however, is aware of the fact that the tower was not so high originally. In 1928, its first major reconstruction took place. The tower was upped to 35 meters. The clock that you can see out there today, was installed after the refurbishment. The best German craftsmen worked on its creation.

Lovers of nature should definitely take a tour into the mountainous region of Dajti. The height of the picturesque mountain of the same name is 1613 meters. Currently, the mountain is located on the territory of the Dajti national park, which is attractive with a variety of rare plant species. In spring and summer, you can see a lot of mountainous areas. They are home to rare species of oaks and pines, as well as few species of animals and birds. At the top of the Dajti mountain is a well-equipped recreation area with observation platforms and restaurants. The top is easily accessible by cable car.

Guests of Tirana will have an opportunity to walk through unique archaeological areas. Butrinti district is the closest one. In 1992, prehistoric ruins discovered there were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once, there was a large city in this area. Today, visitors can see the ruins of the ancient theater, built as early as the 3rd century BC, and admire the ancient terms and mosaics that used to decorate magnificent palaces. The archaeological area of Butrinti is located not far from the lake of the same name. The lake itself is an important natural landmark. Guests can also visit a unique nature reserve.